Abstract
Anacardium occidentale belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is popularly known as cashew. It is provided with several pharmacological activities, described in the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, molluscicidal, and larvicidal activities stand out. As it is a plant of great economic and medicinal importance, it is necessary to characterize the pharmacobotanical profile of this species. Thus, the present work aims to carry out a microscopic and histochemical characterization applied to the quality control of A. occidentale. Cross-sections of the stem, petiole and leaf blade were performed, as well as longitudinal sections of the stem and paradermal sections of the leaf blade. Anatomical studies were performed under light, polarization and scanning electron microscopy. For histochemical analysis, different reagents were used according to the metabolite under investigation. Among the anatomical structures that provide a detailed diagnosis of the studied parts of this species, the presence of resin ducts, druse crystals, glandular trichomes, paracytic stomata, and isobilateral mesophyll stand out. Histochemistry identified the location of different substances, such as starch, phenolic compounds, lipophilic compounds, lignin, essential oils, tannins, triterpenes, steroids, and calcium oxalate crystals in the leaf blade. Through the analysis of ultra-anatomical images by SEM-EDS, it was also possible to verify that the crystals found in the leaf blade are calcium oxalate. Its elemental composition was shown in detail. In view of the results, the importance of this study is justified because important characteristics of the anatomical structure of the stem and leaves of this medicinal species of wide distribution in Brazil are now identified. They are essential parameters for the determination of botanical authenticity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
